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2012 aston-martin v8-vantage Model Overview

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The Aston Martin V8 Vantage arrived late 2005 as the premium British automaker’s entry level grand touring coupe. The car opened the door for more people to own a “James Bond” car as well as offer fans of the legendary brand a smaller and lighter alternative to the larger V-12 cars.

Over the years the Aston Martin’s V-8 grew from 4.3 liters to 4.7; bringing more horsepower and torque with it. Several special edition models have been offered including the Vantage GT4 race-ready car. Last year four special edition models were available. The V8 Vantage S was also introduced last year and remains available this year. The 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S comes with a retuned 4.7-liter V8 sporting 10 more horsepower and 15 lb-ft more torque over the base V8 Vantage — with 430 and 361, respectively. The S also gets an air-cooled 7-speed single-clutch automated manual that is supposed to change gears twice as fast as either of the base car’s 6-speed transmissions.

All Aston Martin V8 Vantage models come with all the luxurious amenities one would expect from an exclusive British automaker including a leather- and Alcantara-wrapped interior, and crystal push-button start system.

Not many changes are in store for the 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage — last year the S model joined the V8 Vantage line along with four 2011 model year-only special additions. The S is a permanent stay and offers 10 more horsepower and 15 more lb-ft of torque over the base V8 Vantage. It also brought a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the stable. This year minor changes to the V8 Vantage include: a Garmin satellite navigation system, beam blade windshield wipers, and three new brake caliper colors to select from.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage (along with the V12 Vantage) is the smallest “Bond” car — and the most affordable. It is slightly shorter overall than the current Corvette and has seating for two people. It features a bonded aluminum structure. The body is constructed of aluminum alloy, steel, composite, and magnesium alloy. Extruded aluminum side impact bars protect occupants. 18-inch wheels are standard; 19-inchers are optional. The V8 Vantage has projector-beam and HID headlamps. LED taillamps are standard. S models add unique wheels; carbon fiber side strakes, front splitter, and rear diffuser among other pieces.

The interior features plush full grain leather with Alcantara headliner; power seats; and automatic temperature control. Steering wheel mounted audio controls are standard for the base 160-watt audio system. Alloy dash trim is standard and piano black trim is available. Heated, memory seats are available. Voice-activated Bluetooth, 700-watt audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II, and personalized sill plates are among the option list. Buyers can also step up to a 1000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower technology.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7-liter V-8. It comes in two flavors: base 420 horsepower with 346-lb-ft of torque; and S with 430 hp at 7300 rpm, and 361 lb-ft at 5000 – increases of 10 hp and 15 lb-ft, respectively. The extra power and torque come courtesy of a new variable-length intake system, and more aggressive spark timing. The S also gets a seven-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission (base models get a six-speed auto or manual trans), a quicker steering rack – 15:1 versus 17:1 in the standard car – plus stiffer springs and shocks, half-inch-wider rear wheels, and newly developed Bridgestone tires. The front brakes feature larger 15-in. rotors and new six-piston calipers, and the stability control system has been retuned. Aston Martin claims 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds for the S model.

Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assemblies. The recall began on February 11, 2014. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's recall number is RA-03-0017. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes recall 13V-228. Any vehicle that has been remedied under the previous recall needs to have the current remedy applied.

Units Affected

5001

Recall ID#14V753000 - SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Consequence

If the electronic control module fails, the seat heater could get hot enough that areas of the seat may overheat and smolder, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 DB9, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, DBS, and Virage vehicles manufactured July 3, 2006, to November 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heaters may fail, preventing the seat heaters from being able to be turned off.

Remedy

Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional module to the circuit that can interrupt the power to the seat heaters in case the electronic control module for the seat heaters fails, free of charge. The recall began in January 2015. Owners may contact Aston Martin Customer Service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this recall is RA-01-0019.

Units Affected

7256

Recall ID#13V228000 - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Consequence

If the throttle pedal arm breaks, the engine will return to idle and the driver will be unable to maintain or increase engine speed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Aston Martin is recalling certain model year DB9, Virage, V8 Vantage, V12 Vantage, and Rapide vehicles manufactured from May 14, 2012, through April 10, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the throttle pedal arm may break.

Remedy

Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the throttle pedal assemblies. The recall began July 19, 2013. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's recall number is RA-03-0016.

Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to tire failure and a possible crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Aston Martin is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 V12 Vantage Coupe vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems." On these vehicles, the low tire pressure warning light will not illuminate until the tire pressure in the front tires is more than 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure.

Remedy

Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software for the tire pressure monitoring system free of charge. The manufacturer notification to owners on February 12, 2013. Owners may contact Aston Martin at 1-888-923-9988.

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